8 Epic Queensland Train Journeys That’ll Move You (Literally)

Built by hand in the 1880s (yep, pickaxes and all), this 34km journey is pure tropical theatre. Winding through World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest and past plunging waterfalls, it’s one of the most scenic railways on Earth.

The vintage carriages glide through Barron Gorge, tackle 15 tunnels and teeter over century-old bridges, before arriving in the arty rainforest village of Kuranda. Jump off to explore galleries, markets and butterfly-filled boardwalks, or upgrade to Gold Class for drinks and snacks with a view.

Want a different route for the way home? The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is your ticket to tree-top views.

Mary Valley Rattler, Sunshine Coast

Chug into yesteryear aboard this steam-powered beauty in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The lovingly restored Mary Valley Rattler takes you over creeks, through rolling hills and into tiny towns like Dagun and Amamoor, where the locals wave like you're royalty.

It’s a living museum on wheels, running select days with wheelchair access and even a pet-friendly carriage. Bring your camera and your curiosity.

The Savannahlander, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Nicknamed the “Silver Bullet”, this 1960s rail motor is more road trip than train ride. Over four days, it rolls from Cairns deep into Gulf Savannah country, from lush rainforest to lava tubes and red-earth escarpments.

With a driver who’ll literally stop to show you cool stuff, this rail adventure hits quirky outback towns like Almaden, Einasleigh and Mount Surprise – along with North West Queensland heavyweights like Cobbold Gorge, Undara Lave Tubes and Chillagoe Caves.  

Day trips are an option, but the full ride? That’s where the stories live.

Spirit of the Outback, Outback Queensland

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up in the Outback, this 1,300km journey is your ticket. Leaving Brisbane and heading west via Rockhampton, the Spirit of the Outback travels through cattle country, sunburnt plains and the soul of Queensland.

Stop off to explore towns like Barcaldine and Emerald, then roll into Longreach, home to legends like the Qantas Founders Museum and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame. You can even then jump on the Railbus coach and connect to Winton – home of dinosaur discoveries and the ‘Hollywood of the Outback’.

The Westlander, Outback Queensland

Cross the Great Dividing Range and watch green hills fade into the golden west. The Westlander operates two weekly return services between Brisbane and Charleville, a frontier outback town famed for its stargazing.

With 17 hours and 777kms to cover, get a good night’s rest and wake up to outback views like you’ve only imagined. This is history in motion: think pioneer trails, wide skies, and nights spent spotting constellations at the Cosmos Centre. The train makes stops at Toowoomba, Dalby, Roma and Mitchell en route - perfect for those keen to hop between country towns and make the most of the journey. 

The Inlander, Townsville to Outback Queensland

From reef to red dirt, the Inlander covers nearly 1,000km of big Queensland country. Departing Townsville, this 21-hour trip travels through the gold rush town of Charters Towers and across the rugged inland to Mount Isa.

Catch some zzzs in your reclining seat, then wake to sunrise over the Outback. Or, choose to take your time and explore history in Charters Towers, fossil collections in Hughenden, and marine dinosaurs in Richmond. Once in Isa, your adventure is only just beginning.

The Gulflander, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Meet the “Tin Hare”: part train, part time machine. This half-day heritage trip from Normanton to Croydon rolls along a 152km track that’s never been linked to the rest of the Queensland Rail network, making it one of the quirkiest train rides in the world.

Dubbed the train that goes 'from nowhere to nowhere', the Gulflander proves it’s not where you’re going – it’s how you get there. Running weekly through wetlands, savannah and ghost towns of the Gulf, it’s hosted by a local Savannah guide who’ll spin yarns and point out hidden gems, and tell you all the best spots to go once you disembark. Fossil fields, fishing holes, rock art and gold-rush tales? All aboard.

Downs Explorer, Queensland Country 

Steam train lovers, this one’s for you. Based in Warwick, the Downs Explorer operates vintage steam train journeys through Queensland’s countryside on selected weekends throughout the year.

With routes to Toowoomba, Wallangarra and Goondiwindi (among others), and a lovingly restored C17 locomotive at its heart, it’s a glorious throwback to the golden age of rail. Don’t miss the onsite rail museum which is packed with nostalgia.

Spirit of Queensland, Brisbane to Cairns & Great Barrier Reef